Manchester United News: Koulibaly, Valencia

Defender Watched

Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Napoli central defender Kalidou Koulibaly as the Red Devils mull over a £90million summer bid.

Koulibaly is rumoured to be top of United’s transfer wishlist this summer after failing to land the Senegal international in the winter market. Napoli put a price tag over £100million on the 27-year-old. In the meantime, United are monitoring his progress.

Last week Koulibaly was asked about United’s interest.

“I am flattered and it’s pleasing to know, but I am concentrated only on Napoli and proving what I can do on the pitch,” he told Rai Sport. “There is a lot of motivation for me at Napoli, we want to prove we’re at the top level and I want to keep improving here.”

Any bid is dependent on who takes over as United’s next manager in the summer. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – current interim manager and favourite to take over on a permanent basis – is believed to be an admirer of Koulibaly.

Valencia Exit

One player who looks set to leave Manchester United this summer is full-back Antonio Valencia. The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and is unlikely to be offered a new deal.

Watford and West Ham United are both interested.

Valencia has started only 11 matches so far this season – five in the league and three each in the FA Cup and the Champions League. He was part of the Manchester United side that knocked Chelsea out of the FA Cup with a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge on Monday night. United travel to Wolves in the quarter-final.